Prevalence of hepatic steatosis and associated factors in Iranian patients with chronic hepatitis C

Background: Hepatic steatosis is commonly observed in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Many studies indicate a relationship between steatosis and fibrosis progression. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of hepatic steatosis and related factors in Iranian CHC patients. Methods: One hundred and fifteen consecutive patients with CHC were enrolled which were trea tment-naïve. The patients were divided into groups with and without steatosis according to the result of liver biopsy (58.3% and 41.7%, respectively). Demographic, histological, biochemical and virological factors were examined and compared in all patients. Results: In terms of host factors, body mass index (BMI), triglyceride, fasting blood glucose (FBG), necroinflammatory activity and severity in fibrosis of CHC patients with steatosis was significantly higher than the patients without steatosis. Of viral factors, HCV viral load was not significantly altered in patients with steatosis. Moreover, HCV genotypes did not meet such association. Using multivariate regression analysis, parameters of BMI values, FBG level and stage of fibrosis were independently associated with steatosis. Conclusion: Our data indicate that CHC patients are more susceptible to development of hepat ic steatosis. Based on our results, grade of steatosis appears to be associated with hepatic fibrosis pr ogression rate in CHC patients.

Chronic hepatitis C, Steatosis, Fibrosis, Necroinflammatory activity